Qool QMT 21 (256MB)

First noticed back in mid-2004, the Qool QMT 21 is an OEM copy of the original by the Korean manufacturer M-bird. Though this metallic beast is sired with a decidedly un-sexy name, its industrial-like finish gives it a cyberpunk aura, no doubt due to a design team bred on William Gibson's Neuromancer and the Wachowski brothers' Matrix. Read on as we take the red pill and plunge into its innards.

Design
Befitting its metallic outlook, the QMT 21 is heavy even though at 38.6 x 86.7 x 18.7mm, it's the size of average flash-based MP3 players. Screws on the unit are intentionally made very visible in line with its heavy-duty look and, with the player's back resembling the iPod in terms of finishing, this translates into an easily scratched body.

	Full metal jacket?

Physical controls are mainly activated from the clickable joystick which performs most of the navigational duties. Unlike the main body, the joystick is constructed of plastic while still conferring a sturdy feel. Keeping it simple, the unit has a Play and Record button as well a Hold switch to round off the controls.

There's a lanyard keyhole, but we felt the QMT 21 was too heavy for our taste unless you are going for the heavy metal look. What's unique about the player is that it comes with two built-in speakers, possibly to give the semblance of stereo output. We like the fact that the top speaker can be detached to reveal a USB jack and the snap-on speaker/cap can be reinserted to the main body during playback without any technical hitches.

The display option is limited to only a mono color display, though Qool has made provision for a selection of 10 shades.

	Clean controls, the way we like it.

Using a tree directory-styled navigation for searching through MP3 tracks, the QMT 21 favors users who are used to the Windows Explorer interface. However, while the joystick is deployed to move around the directory, clicking the nub causes the menu options to be displayed rather than activating a highlighted song to be played. It's a bit illogical and one that takes getting used to since the Play button is located on the side rather than on the front.

The QMT 21 uses an icon-based GUI that is largely easy to navigate though the situation of the joystick on the unit's lower left makes it difficult for lefties to maneuver single-handedly.